SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are reminding the public to drive responsibly by ramping up efforts to get impaired drivers off the roads during Labor Day holiday travel.
“There's no excuse for driving impaired, period,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT. “The consequences of driving impaired could be costly and deadly. Remember, driving under the influence is ‘Not a Game.’”
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During the Labor Day safety campaign, which runs through Sept. 8, ISP, local police and sheriff’s departments are reminding the public that driving under the influence can come with real-life, sobering consequences.
“Holiday weekends are busy travel weekends. ISP troopers will be on the roads looking for impaired drivers,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “Whether alcohol or drugs, driving impaired puts your life and the lives of others at risk. If you’re driving, plan ahead and stay safe.”
According to IDOT data, last Labor Day weekend from 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, there were nine fatalities on Illinois roads. Three of the nine fatal crashes were alcohol-related, resulting in three of the nine fatalities.
To help make your Labor Day weekend a safe one, remember these important tips:
- If you’re planning to use cannabis or alcohol, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Or call a taxi or rideshare service, or, if available, use your community’s sober ride program. ?
- If you see or suspect an impaired driver, contact law enforcement.
- Remind your friends to never get in a vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending them – you might be saving a life.
In addition to the heightened focus on impaired driving, the campaign also reinforces the importance of seat belt use, adherence to the speed limit and other traffic laws. Seat belt laws will be enforced as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” programs, which are made possible by federal funds administered by IDOT and coincide with the department’s comprehensive multimedia campaign, “It's Not a Game.”
